6 Things You’re Doing To Make Your Cat Misbehave

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Cats are known for their graceful demeanor and independence but sometimes display behaviors that confuse or frustrate their owners. If your cat misbehaves, it’s important to remember that these issues typically arise not out of spite but from a misunderstanding of the cat’s natural behaviors and needs. Additionally, your cat’s behavior may be caused by unintentional actions you have taken.

Here are 6 things you’re doing to make your cat misbehave and suggestions for addressing them.

Understanding and Correcting Common Mistakes

Cat scratching the sofa. JakubD / Shutterstock.com

1. Misunderstanding Your Cat’s Body Language, Communication and Behavior

Cats communicate through a combination of body language, vocalizations and behavior. Misinterpreting or ignoring these signs can lead to misbehavior. For instance, a cat that swats when stroked may be overstimulated or in pain, but when this behavior is punished rather than understood, it can lead to further striking.

A cat may scratch furniture to mark its territory if they dislike their current cat scratcher or if it’s wobbly. Scolding your cat for scratching a beloved sofa or bed head can increase nervousness, which may cause more furniture destruction.

A further misunderstood behavior is counter-surfing, often resulting in the owner yelling and cats getting dosed with a spray bottle. Cats love being up high because of their natural climbing ability and agile nature. Punishing can lead to owner avoidance and damage the human-animal bond.

Urine and fecal markings are other cat behaviors that owners often misunderstand or find unpleasant and unacceptable indoors. Urine marking or ‘spraying’ is a normal part of feline communication. It can indicate that your cat is announcing how ‘fit and strong’ he is, or it can be a sign that he feels stressed or insecure. Another theory is that your cat is leaving a message for himself to increase confidence by strengthening his scent or to provide information on where extra vigilance may be needed. ^[1][2]

Domestic cat feces likely contain both odors and pheromones. Faces produce unique smells, mainly due to microbial components, and may carry pheromones from anal secretions. Their communicative role in cats is unclear, but they might convey territoriality, personal defense, group recognition, and stress messages. Yelling, chastising, or confining your cat in a cage, even if you ‘catch them in the act’, will increase your cat’s insecurity and likely cause them to urinate or soil at home.

Solutions

Learn to read your cat’s body language and vocal cues. Signs of contentment include purring, rubbing, slow blinking, and kneading, while indications of discomfort include hissing, tail swishing, flattened ears, and dilated pupils. Responding appropriately to your cat’s signals and innate behavior can help build trust and reduce instances of misbehavior.

Provide suitable, robust scratching posts and textures where cats are likely to scratch. Offer an exploratory vertical environment and remove leftover food, making the counter less tempting. Only use deterrents if necessary. Clicker training and praise for good behavior can reduce counter-surfing by teaching your cat an alternative activity.

Medical problems can cause spraying, indoor urination, and defecation outside the litter tray. Hence, it’s essential to get your cat checked by your vet. Keep all soiled areas clean, plug in a Feliway diffuser, offer more enrichment, play calming music, and provide ample hiding spots for your cat.

2. Lack of Mental and Physical Stimulation

Tortoiseshell cat sits on a window sill and eats gerbera flower in flowerpot. Nataliia Pyzhova / Shutterstock.com

Cats are natural predators who need mental and physical stimulation to remain happy and healthy. They can become bored, leading to destructive behaviors such as knocking over items, excessive meowing, furniture scrapping, and even houseplants chewing.

Solutions

Provide a selection of toys and activities to keep your cat stimulated. Redirect undesired conduct with clicker training and reward with treats or positive attention to encourage desired behavior. Interactive games and puzzle feeders, including daily play sessions, can help fulfill their hunting instincts. Consider setting up climbing structures to promote physical activity and offer cat grass and cat-safe plants for indoor individuals.

3. Failure To Recognize a Cat’s Negative Emotional State

Many undesirable behaviors in cats stem from negative emotions, such as anxiety, fear, or frustration, which are often unrecognized or ignored by their owners. Lack of choice and not being in control can also lead to stress and misbehavior in cats.

A cat that feels scared or threatened may show defensive behavior and vocalize by hissing or growling to signal their warning to back off. Attempting to pick up or comfort your cat while he is fearful can increase his panic and result in biting or injuries.

Similarly, a feline used to free roaming may become frustrated if restricted indoors due to a house move or if outdoor cats are present, which can lead to redirected human aggression.

Solutions

Identify and either eliminate or reduce situations that trigger fear or anxiety, as long as it is reasonable to do so. When you cannot prevent exposure to a specific trigger, have a strategy to manage the perceived threat. Cats love to feel like they have options! Whether it’s their favorite spot on the couch or a selection of toys to play with, giving them choices keeps them happy and content. Cats are natural rulers of their environment; they appreciate having the power to decide when to be petted and even when to strut around as if they own the place!

4. Inconsistent Routines and Environmental Stressors

Cats thrive on routine. They appreciate knowing when to expect meals, playtime, and affection. Erratic schedules can lead to anxiety and stress, which can manifest as mischief. For example, feeding your cat at different times can confuse them, leading to begging or food aggression.

Environmental stressors such as home renovations, loud noises, new pets, and house visitors can negatively impact cats, leading to behaviors like house soiling, hiding, pica, over-grooming, and other repetitive actions.

Solutions

Establish a consistent daily routine for your cat. Feed your cat simultaneously daily, set aside regular playtime, and ensure predictable bonding periods with caregivers. Create a stable and predictable environment if your cat is sensitive to changes. Limit the introduction of new pets to reduce stress and avoid territorial disputes. Provide safe hiding spaces to help your cat feel more secure, but don’t comfort or cuddle them when in hiding. During renovations, a quiet room away from the noise of the building works is ideal for nervous cats. Plug in a Feliway diffuser and offer anti-anxiety nutraceuticals.

5. Intense Owner-Cat Relationship

A woman with long hair in a brown sweater and jeans holding a Persian cat in her lap. Wanwajee Weeraphukdee / Shutterstock.com

The relationship between cat owners and their pets significantly influences problematic behaviors in cats. As the dynamics between humans and cats become more complex, it can be difficult to distinguish between feline behavior and issues stemming from the owner.

Some owners may feel overwhelmed by their cat’s attention-seeking behavior, sometimes describing it as feeling ‘bullied,’ while also experiencing guilt for denying their cat’s desires. This dynamic can often arise from the owner’s past trauma, leading to irrational decision-making.

Additionally, some owners may become overly obsessive, monitoring their cat’s every move. While some cats are friendly and can manage intense physical contact with their owners, others—especially those without outdoor access or those who are fearful—may feel threatened by excessive handling.

Solutions

Take a moment to reflect on your emotional expectations for your relationship with your cat. If you find yourself feeling anxious or overwhelmed, consider seeking support and guidance from a professional. Empower yourself by learning about cats as a species and understanding their needs. Learn your cat’s preferences and boundaries better. You might also teach your cat to walk on a harness and leash, allowing you to enjoy outdoor time together without feeling overwhelmed by inadequacy.

6. Not Addressing Underlying Health Problems

Cats may show aggressive behavior to avoid activities that exacerbate their pain, such as being touched or picked up, especially when suffering from degenerative joint diseases. Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS) increases sensitivity, particularly along the spine and tail. It can make a cat feel irritable and drastically change its behavior to become more intolerant, hyperactive, and hostile towards its caregiver or other pets.

Some cats are naturally vocal, although excessive yowling and meowing can indicate underlying issues. Increased vocalization often signals hormonal changes during unspayed females’ heat cycles. In older cats, it may suggest pain from conditions like arthritis, periodontal disease, or cognitive dysfunction similar to dementia.

A cat may pee on the rug or the couch due to a urinary tract infection (UTI), bladder stones, kidney disease, or even diabetes. Cats often urinate outside their litter box due to underlying health issues. These conditions can cause discomfort, leading them to seek out different spots to relieve themselves, not out of mischief.

Solutions

Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify potential medical problems early on. Spaying and neutering can reduce behavioral issues such as undesirable urine marking and aggression and alleviate frustration. If a cat’s vocalizations become more intense, it is essential to consult a veterinarian to rule out health concerns or environmental stressors. Additionally, if you observe sudden changes in typical behavior—especially in senior cats—it may indicate an underlying illness that requires prompt veterinary attention.

To Wrap Up

To improve your cat’s good behavior, establish consistent routines, provide ample stimulation, utilize positive reinforcement training methods to teach your cat acceptable behaviors, maintain their health, and offer them choices to give them a sense of control. A well-cared-for cat is a happy and well-behaved cat.